Company

ALPINE ELECTRONICS CELEBRATES 30TH YEAR IN U.S. AT CES; FOCUSES INITIATIVES ON CONNECTING WITH CONSUMERS

New System-Selling Approach and Retail-Merchandising Highlighted for 2009

TORRANCE, Calif., Jan. 8, 2009 â€“ Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, is ringing in 2009 with the companyâ€™s 30th year in the U.S. While continuing to deliver premium-quality audio, video and navigation products, Alpine is launching an aggressive new sales strategy and marketing plan. This new initiative is designed to help dealers more effectively connect with consumers by putting a stronger focus on providing system solutions that meet researched needs.

As Alpine rolls out its product line up for 2009, the company will help consumers create customized systems that fit their lifestyles by offering Alpine dealers the tools to provide a better retail experience. These dealer tools will include Alpine-designed retail display options, a retail experience guide and point-of-sale materials. The dealer support strategy will be reflected in the Alpine booth, which is in the Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, meeting room N101. The booth will utilize the actual retail displays that will be available for dealers and also will include a mock retail store.

â€œWith the economic challenges facing everyone right now, Alpine must provide our dealers not only with great new product, but also with the business strategy and tools to deliver the best customer experience at retail. This fresh approach to retail will result in creating the best system to meet the customerâ€™s needs, lifestyle and budget,â€ said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics.

This merchandising strategy will focus on a â€œsystems solutionâ€ approach. Consumers generally know their desired end result, but may not know how to get there and what products are needed to work together to build it. By showcasing products in a system configuration format, consumers become more educated about the components needed to achieve the results they want, and it helps the salesperson maximize the sale based on consumer desires. There will be two demo cars in the Alpine booth, both equipped with actual, suggested systems that fit a certain lifestyle and budget. A Mercedes Benz E350 will showcase a system that is built around keeping the factory radio functions and cosmetics. This system consists of the PXE-H650 System Integration Audio Processor, a PDX-5 five-channel amplifier, two pairs of SPX-17REF Type X Reference Component Speakers, and one SWR-1222D Type R 12-inch subwoofer and will be available for $1,900 at participating authorized Alpine retailers in the U.S. At this point, a dealer who replicates this system for a customer is now able to add on other sources â€“ such as iPodÂ® or iPhoneÂ® playback, BluetoothÂ® hands-free calling, or satellite radio â€“ as desired by the customer. This solution helps dealers work in conjunction with â€“ rather than be locked out of â€“ todayâ€™s newer factory systems.

The second car in the Alpine booth is a Scion xD. This car will be displayed in the mock store as an example of a practical system that sounds good loud, with easy upgrades that provide clear highs and hard-hitting bass. The Scion xDâ€™s system consists of a CDE-102 CD receiver, MRP-M500 Mono Amplifier, KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack, one SPS-600C 6.5-inch Component Two-way Speaker Set, one SPS-500 5.25-inch Coaxial Two-way Speaker Set, and one SWS-1043D 10-inch Subwoofer. As well, the CDE-102 can play songs from a USB memory stick or MP3 player right from the faceplate, meeting the needs of the customer who wants to play digital music in their car but is on a tight budget. This actual system will be available for $800 at participating Alpine authorized retailers in the U.S.

About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that supports drivers in over 60 countries and provides the worldâ€™s leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative vehicle entertainment and information technologies.
Alpineâ€™s R&D and manufacturing facilities in Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world requirements of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing products that are safe, comfortable and eco-friendly for the automotive environment.

For more information about Alpine Electronics, visit www.alpine.com. For more information about Alpineâ€™s aftermarket products, visit www.alpine-usa.com.

Notice: Product information is based upon current information at the time of writing, but cannot be guaranteed. All designs, features, specifications and delivery dates are subject to change without notice.